Touchpoint September 2015

TOUCHPOINT The Marble Magazine One West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001-4596 212-686-2770 MarbleChurch.org

September Is Upon Us

I’m never quite sure what to write for the September ning. A new Signature Mission will be inaugurated. issues of the newsletter. Too often we tend to think of A new Church Year theme will be introduced. New the month as a year’s movement into senior adulthood. Communications and Virtual programs are being develRemember the lyrics of The September Song? oped. Our Jazz Service is moving to a new night (from Fridays to Sundays). And all that is just a brief sampling.

Oh, it’s a long, long way from May to December There is so much happening in this place beginning in But the days grow short when you reach September September. So, hang onto your hats (not that many of When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame us wear hats anymore, but you get my point). There’s One hasn’t got time for the waiting game …. energy all around — something for The song makes one believe that everyone.

September is the beginning of the And all that brings me to my request: end. But life teaches us otherwise. In With a church as vital and meaningful as many senses, it’s just the beginning.

Marble … and with so much going on Vacation has concluded and school that positively impacts human lives … begins in September. Most of the we shouldn’t keep this blessing a secret, summer heat wave has concluded, should we?

So, I encourage you to become and more pleasant weather begins invitational.

Tell someone you know about in September. The regular season is our church.

Share with them the offerings winding down, and the really interestand options you think they would enjoy. ing part of baseball (leading up to the Talk to them about worship, small groups, playoffs and World Series) begins in educational classes, music, age level minSeptember. Football and hockey begin Dr. Michael Brown istries, missions, affinity groups, etc.

Share in September. Rosh Hashana and Yom the good news that is Marble, and invite others to Kippur are in September. International Peace Day is come and experience it for themselves. in September. The leaves begin to turn in September.

September is upon us. Get ready to start this year’s Autumn begins in September. Don’t feel sorry for poor old September hobbling on the calendar’s cane. Instead, spiritual journey. And remember, invite someone(s) else to travel with us.

September is a time when the year begins to sprint, a time with energy and activity, a time when you better hold on because something exciting is about to happen.

September is also the beginning of the new Church Year. As I said, something exciting is about to happen.

Spend some time with our Sunday bulletins. Check out the website. Read the other staff members’ articles in Touchpoint, and you will see just how much is going on. Marble is beginning to hit high gear in September.

Programs that took the summer off are up and run-

SEPTEMBER 2015 SUNDAY WORSHIP, 11AM Dr. Michael B. Brown Senior Minister preaching

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP 6:15PM

SEPTEMBER 6

SEPTEMBER 20

I Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love Is Presence

SEPTEMBER 13

SEPTEMBER 27

JAZZ REVELATION

Romans 5:6-8

John 21:15-18

Please see page 3.

Love Is…

Love Is Unconditional

Education Sunday

Every Week

Acts 11:19-26

PM Love Is Multi-Dimensional 5:00 Sundays

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Marble Matters

Re / M A R K /s

Dr. R. Mark King Executive Minister

By Dr. R. Mark King Our theme for the church year that begins in September will be Love is… ________. It is an attempt to focus what we do with who we are. The various ministries and program areas will be at liberty to fill in that blank.

As you know, we have developed well-crafted vision and mission statements with accompanying value components. Yet, we asked how do we integrate or “live out” our vision, mission and values in our congregational life? How do these shape our ministry staffing and structure? How is the normal, natural ebb and flow of congregational life embracing of vision, mission, values, identity and priorities for ministry?

This naturally leads to considering the “culture” of Marble. What is the natural “ethos” that can readily shape and be shaped by all our work of strategy?

The culture of any organization, including a congregation, is a powerful force. Years of being together, forging hopes and ideals, being guided by personalities and adapting to both external and internal forces develop a culture. Edgar Schein in his book, Organizational Culture and Leadership identifies key drivers of the phenomenon of culture as what groups see, hear and feel: “visible products,” “feelable structures,” and “observed behavior.” Schein argued that at the heart of culture are “espoused beliefs and values, ideals, goals, values and aspirations.”

Therefore, a church’s culture or “ethos” will enable priorities, determine intents and drive ministries far more than any other dynamic.

I believe that Marble possesses a uniquely tailored culture that is remarkable. And I think it fits well within the understanding of Jesus’ own ethos of bringing together a collection of people into a vibrant community. It is provocative that Christians follow a person and not an institution or a system. Jesus himself gathered a close group who walked, lived, ate and worked together and developed community over

the years of their being together. At the same time, they pressed forward with a divine mission.

Thus you will be hearing quite a bit in the future about the culture of Marble being what I term “covenant community.”

A Covenant Community is marked by belonging together in a family of diverse individuals mutually sharing experiences of celebration, tribulation and inspiration and bonding together in deep relationships that are life transforming. As such, we are uniquely tied to the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. We experience together the journey toward redemption, wholeness and love for God and others. Therefore, a Covenant Community is by its very nature a relational entity.

Marble Collegiate Church is at its best a covenant community principally in terms of relationships and relational integration. Marble has sought to live out a positive, embracing theology that offers hope to everyday life. Our culture loudly proclaims that Marble is a place where the wounded can find solace with other wounded and can discover acceptance beyond compare.

In this sense, even as a large congregation, Marble is a very relational church. By that, it is meant that relationships are valued over tasks or events. Our community, our faith is invigorated by our people. In the vital connection to others they share, our people discover a fuller, more meaningful life. Many a person has told me that here they found hope and a place where they are loved. Once they are a part, I have heard many say they can’t imagine ever living without the fullness our covenant community provides.

It was invigorating to name and claim our culture, our ethos. At our best, we witness the weaving together of our stories, perspectives, and experiences into the fabric of our “village” as valuable and inspirational. Now, more than ever, we can live into our vision, mission and values as more than words on paper but the very breath of God that we inhale. We embody all that it means to be Love is… ________!

Hello from Chad Tanaka Pack!

Chad Tanaka Pack Associate in Ministry

Thank you for welcoming me to Marble! Your warmth and hospitality are remarkable. In the few weeks since I started, I’ve already begun to feel I’m home. I’m excited to journey with you, as we explore together what it means to belong to this community.

In particular, I will be pastoral advisor to GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship, and Connection (20s & 30s). I will also serve on the stewardship team.

By way of background, I was born and raised in Honolulu. I’m fourth-generation Korean and Japanese American. I went to college in Philadelphia, where I

studied business and performed with theater groups.

After college, I worked as a corporate accountant on Wall Street for over twelve years before discovering a call to ministry. I graduated from Yale Divinity School five years ago, and have been working at Middle Collegiate Church since then.

I’m deeply grateful to join Marble in this part-time role as Associate in Ministry. I spend most of my time in Pittsburgh with my husband, Michael, who is an Episcopal priest there. My commute to New York is a seven-hour drive! As such, I’ll be in Worship with

Marble Matters

you about two Sundays every month. When I’m not in New York, I’ll be available to connect with you via e-mail and phone.

As you know, Marble is a truly special place. I’ve been learning about our amazing worship experiences; about our connections with people around the world through the livestream; and about our generosity of volunteer time and financial giving. Being here with you is a blessing. I look forward to getting to know you more!

CYF CORNER SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS! Sunday, September 13 | 10:00am Join us for our first day of Sunday School!

This promises to be a year full of Bible and faith classes, choir performances, Family Worships, parenting groups, theatre, art, fellowship, and fun.

Arrive early to fill out a registration form, or email Brian Hampton, Director of CYF (BHampton@ MarbleChurch.org), or Jessica Scovel, Director of Children’s Ministry (JScovel@MarbleChurch.org) for a digital version of the form. We look forward to seeing all of our returning students and meeting new ones!

In the Marble Spotlight

WEWO: WEDNESDAY WORSHIP Every Week | 6:15pm Wednesday Worship (WeWo) has been a long-standing tradition at Marble, providing a weekly worship opportunity that: (a) is designed for persons on their ways home from work or for individuals who may not be able to attend on Sunday mornings, (b) includes the highest quality contemporary and R&B Christian music, (c) is less formal than a traditional worship experience in both style and setting (meeting in the Marble Loft) and thus emphasizes fellowship and intimacy, (d) is a shared preaching venue (where both Dr. Brown and all other staff clergy preach on a rotating basis), (e) explores extended biblical/theological/life issue themes in ongoing series fashion, (f) offers Communion every first Wednesday, (g) provides baptism upon request, (h) receives new members regularly, and (i) is growing.

We like to think of WeWo as “user friendly.” Flat screens replace bulletins. Greeters and ushers are strategically placed to answer any questions or concerns that may arise. Coffee and cookies are always available. Printed information about all Marble’s ministries are available on tables at the entrance. But, it’s not just “user” friendly – more importantly, it is “people friendly.” You cannot enter or exit the service without having someone speak with you, expressing how glad we are that you are there. In a world of pronounced loneliness, WeWo offers an oasis from that – a place to feel truly welcome and wanted.

The service goes from 6:15pm till about 7:00pm every Wednesday evening. If you haven’t tried it, we invite you to do so. If you are a WeWo regular, invite others to come out and share the experience.

Beginning in September, we will spend the rest of the calendar year examining what it means to experience love (whether receiving or extending). What topic could be more timely or important than that? We hope to see you each Wednesday at WeWo!

JAZZ REVELATION Sundays, September 20 & 27 | 5:00pm One of the pinnacle components of Jazz music is its improvisational nature. Jazz’s roots stem with the forced Africans who were brought into New Orleans for the slave market. From New Orleans, it gave rise to ragtime, blues, swing and bebop among many, many others. Our own Harlem in New York fostered many styles and variances. Combined with elements of European harmony, jazz developed to become a quintessential tradition of our twentieth and twenty-first centuries’ music. The beauty of Jazz is its improvisation that lends to very creative arrangements and melodies. To me, such creativity speaks to the soul.

In the same spirit of such, we keep improvising elements of and the actual service itself in Jazz Revelation. We go at it once again. Starting September 20, Jazz Revelation moves to Sunday evening at 5:00pm. It will meet EVERY week through November 22 and then have three services in December (December 13, 20 and New Year’s Eve, December 31). Each service will be unique with lively music led by Chris Whittaker and preaching now shared between Dr. Mark King and Chad Tanaka Pack. We hope to bring more drama, biblical stories set to music, poetry, and artistic expressions into the services. We will resume in late January in the same scheme until Pentecost in May. Jazz takes us on a journey. The journey has many ebbs and flows that lend to the improvisational nature.

Journey with us further as we make a grand service even greater.

Jazz Revelation

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WeWo: Wednesday Worship

Staff for this Issue: EDITORS:

Karla Fritsch Catherine Ortiz PHOTOS:

Dave Cross Jay Johnson Brian Hampton Siobhan Tull Karla Fritsch GRAPHIC DESIGN:

Beth Player-DiCicco

Marble Matters

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STEPHEN MINISTRY AWARENESS DAY Saturday, September 19 | 10:00am-2:00pm Might God be calling you to be a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministry at Marble helps bring God’s Healing Love to people in need. This confidential, Christian caregiving is a vital part of our mission to minister to those who are struggling with difficult life events. Stephen Ministers are laypeople who receive 50 hours of training in order to provide one-to-one Christ-centered care. If you are interested, please contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org), or Rev. Kirsty DePree (KDepree@MarbleChurch.org).

ANNUAL EDUCATION SUNDAY September 20 | 11:00am Join us as we celebrate all those involved in Education and Dr. Brown blesses them during Worship.

TOWN HALL MEETING Sunday, September 20 | 12:15pm Please see back page.

MONTHLY BRUNCH RETURNS Sunday, September 27 | 12:15pm All are invited as our brunches begin again.

Please see page 11.

MEMBERSHIP AT MARBLE Faith is a journey and we warmly invite you to join with us as you travel along. For more information about our upcoming New Member Orientations, after Sunday Worship please come to the Deacons’ Pew (to right of Chancel) where the Membership team will help you (they will be wearing red carnations), visit the Welcome Table after WeWo, or contact Kim Sebastian-Ryan (KRyan@MarbleChurch.org). We’d love to have you join us!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Sunday, September 27 | 10:30am-2:30pm Orientation Sunday, October 4 | 10:45am-1:30pm Connection Sunday, including Lunch with Staff Sunday, October 11 | 10:30am-12:15pm Reception of New Members during Worship SAVE THE DATE HOMECOMING 2015 Sunday, October 11 Join us as the Marble Ministers, Staff and Board reveal their hidden talents in songs and skits. Watch and listen for the clues in upcoming bulletins, e-blasts, and worship services. Don’t miss it!

Homecoming 2014

SAVE THE DATE PIPE ORGAN DEDICATION Sunday, October 18 Join us for this historic day at Marble Collegiate Church! For the first time in over four years the sound of a pipe organ will be heard in the Sanctuary during Worship. The Marble Choir will return to a newlyrebuilt Choir Loft and the North and South Balconies will again be open to congregants. There will be a special dedication during 11:00am Worship, followed by a short talk about the organ, approximately 12:25-1:00pm.

Listen as builder Sebastian Glück explains and Ken Dake demonstrates the sounds. This “aural tour” will show off the colors of its 6000+ pipes. Afterwards, you will be able to look inside the newly built organ chambers.

MARBLE PIPE ORGAN INAUGURAL CONCERT SERIES Come hear history in the making as we celebrate Marble’s new 101-rank Glück Pipe Organ!

• Tuesday, October 27, 7:30pm – Inaugural Recital

by Ken Cowan. One of North America’s most sought-after concert organists and dazzling performers. Tickets at the door: $20; $15 students & seniors.

• Thursday, March 10, 7:30pm – Richard Elliott. The renowned Principal Organist for The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Ken Cowan • Friday, April 29, 7:30pm – Pipes and Voices featuring Diane Bish. Known as The First Lady of the Organ, Diane Bish is the most visible and influential concert organist performing today. She will appear in concert with The Marble Choir and Festival of Voices.

Marble Matters

Love Wins

By Rev. Kirsty DePree Recently, staff gathered for an energizing time of brainstorming and reflecting on our theme for the year. When I left the meeting, I was invigorated, not because we had decided on the title, but by the energy, creativity and imagination of the staff. It would seem like an easy task to pick a theme or title, based on love, but what soon became a reality, was that love was all encompassing — it was like trying to nail down a water balloon, water and ideas kept oozing and flowing. The exercise reminded me of a few summers ago, when I led a small group on Rob Bell’s book, Love Wins. Some had deemed it a controversial book, because it challenged many theological presuppositions. It certainly did, but it also created space to ask some important questions about, heaven, hell and life in general. Each week that we met there would be intriguing dialogue, lots of questions and the assurance of a safe place to process one’s theology and one’s life.

What I have come to realize is that Marble is much like that small group experience. A sacred space to dialogue, process, question and grow into the people God intends us to be. A people who understand that love wins, when we show it, live it and express it in a variety of ways.

The Marble Labyrinth

By Jean Ando Are you aware that Marble has the unique distinction of being home to the only permanent inlaid marble labyrinth in New York City?

Marble’s original labyrinth was purchased in 2001 as a tool to enrich the spiritual life of the church. Made of canvas, it was laid out in what was then Burrell Hall underneath the Sanctuary. When the renovation of Burrell Hall began, those working on the plans said, “…there has to be room for the labyrinth.” John McHugh, Properties Manager, spoke up and said, “We could put in a permanent one.”

The first step of the process was to lay out a wire armature that served as a mold into which the marble was poured. Rev. Kirsty DePree and I were there when the armature was placed. We walked it and Rev. Kirsty blessed it.

The design of our labyrinth is based on one that was placed in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France in the 1200s. It is not an exact replica; I refer to it as Marble’s unique interpretation of the Chartres design.

Our new labyrinth has become a magnet attracting not only our own members but also those in the

Love wins because Marble is a safe and sacred place where every individual can enter in with whatever question is on one’s mind.

Love wins at Marble when people sense they belong and are loved.

Love wins at Marble when we can agree to disagree and worship in a way that demonstrates love of God and neighbor.

Love wins as people can share pain and sadness and find help through our Stephen Ministry.

Love wins when people can use their talents and gifts to build up the body.

Love wins when together we make the church a picture of what heaven will be like.

Love wins when unity and diversity are not just words or preferred future, but beautiful pictures of God’s people living and worshipping in community with one another.

I could go on and on, but I invite you to write some of your own, for when we think of all the ways that love is exhibited at Marble, we all win! I am looking forward to a great year as we embrace this crazy kind of thing called love.

neighborhood, as well as individuals and groups from outside the New York area. Many who come to walk are from offices in the area; they drop by on their way home to decompress from their hectic days. Others come from further away. Recently, we had a group of Londoners who had driven all the way from Boston in order to be here in time to walk the labyrinth. Another individual from Oregon, here for an exhibit of her art, made a point of coming to walk.

A number of outside groups have come to learn about and experience the labyrinth — students from the Packer Collegiate School in Brooklyn, a fifth grade classes from the Speyer School in Manhattan, as well as a group of mentally challenged students from a special needs class.

This past year, we held our first very successful New Year’s Eve walk. People appreciated the opportunity to welcome the New Year in a meditative way. We have also held walks on the anniversary of 9/11 and on World Labyrinth Day which is the first Saturday of May. It is also a part of our annual prayer intreats.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Rev. Kirsty DePree Minister of Congregational Care

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Marble Matters

The Marble Labyrinth...continued from page 5

Siobhan Tull Director of Virtual Church Relations

You may have heard the words “maze” and “labyrinth” used interchangeably; however, they are not the same. A maze has many paths and dead ends; a labyrinth has only one path leading to a central point; you take the same path going out.

There is a saying, “In a maze, you lose yourself; in a labyrinth, you find yourself.”

The labyrinth is an archetypal form; it is found in almost every culture and country in the world.

No one knows its origin as it dates back to before recorded history. The earliest recorded labyrinth was etched on a tombstone in Sardinia, Italy, more than 4000 years ago and was believed to be a guide to the afterlife. My theory of its origin is that ancient peoples saw spirals everywhere in nature — pine cones, snails, sea shells — and began to associate these spirals with the sacred and develop ceremonies and rituals that followed a spiral path which eventually became the labyrinth.

This is a powerful spiritual tool that calms the mind and provides you with a deep spiritual connection. It

is a metaphor for life; if you are open and receptive, it can give you answers to questions or insights into problems you may be having. There is no right or wrong way to walk; there is only your way. For me, the labyrinth is a a very effective way of connecting with God. It is my hope that you will make walking the labyrinth a part of your spiritual practice.

Currently, the labyrinth is available Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00pm, and on the first Sunday of the month, 1:00-3:00pm. Someone is always on hand to provide guidance and answer questions. (Schedule could vary, please all to confirm.)

We would like to make the labyrinth available more, such as during the lunch hour, but this requires having someone on hand to “hold the space” to provide guidance. We are planning training this fall for “Labyrinth Holder” volunteers. If interested, please contact Judy Tulin.

Virtually There

tinuing our Talk Back, a wonderful opportunity to go deeper with Sunday’s message right after Worship in the Sanctuary. We invite you to ask a question or respond to something you heard, either online or in person. If you don’t feel comfortable raising your hand or emailing, there is always the “Send a Question” button under the streaming window. In the past year we have invited the online community into conversation during Sister Carol’s Bible Study building community with other students on Sundays.

We are also excited about two new online series with Dr. Brown. The Bible for Today, launched this summer, is a weekly Bible study led by Dr. Brown on The Beatitudes. These are short classes, taking you deeper into this rich text, leaving you with questions to ponder. In September we will launch Soul Purpose. Hosted by Dr. Brown, these short but thoughtful programs will provide you with intriguing ways to engage spiritually and connect with Marble throughout your week. In addition, we are exploring new ways to engage and build community and connection through online small groups, seminars, and exciting new videos (look for “Sermon Spotlight” this year). And there are always the podcasts available on our website, a great way to listen to the message whether in your car or on the subway.

This is an exciting time at Marble. We hope you will join us as we travel this road together.

“Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people shall be my people.” ~ Ruth 1:16

By Siobhan Tull When you ask people what their first impression of Marble was, they always say “The Welcome.”

Marble is known for its gracious and warm hospitality. Live streaming WeWo and Sunday extends that welcome beyond the four walls of the church; in fact we now welcome people from across the country and around the world. We are able to give them a community to be part of. We want to ensure that everyone, online or in person, knows how glad we are to have them with us and we are proud that you can take Marble and its community with you wherever you go.

However, there is more to Marble then just its welcome. This is a church with a rich, diverse and vibrant community that endeavors to travel along their spiritual journey with others. This is a church of relationships. This is a church where you can find yourself in finding others. This is a church with programs and missions that move church past Sunday morning. And this is a church that is ready to engage the potential of its online community. Marble’s “online” congregants aren’t separate from our “in pew” congregants. You are one and the same. You are the body of Christ, his hands and his feet, and we want to meet you where you are.

MarbleVision has been working diligently, from the beginning, to find ways to interact and build community with Marble’s congregants and we are excited to keep expanding this ministry. We are con-

Marble Matters

Reflections from the Editor

By Karla Fritsch I’m in a celebratory mood. In August was my 25th Anniversary of moving to NYC and in late September I’ll mark my 25th Anniversary of working at Marble.

This past year I’ve also celebrated Ivy becoming a great-aunt, times two.

With my great-nieces Ivy & Leilani on my heart, I’ve been pondering some of the things that I’ve been learning at Marble and in NYC that I’d like them to know.

Leilani We are all God’s children.

No matter what name we call him/her and no matter where or how we worship, God loves us all the same. One of the things that has made me proud of Marble is our inclusivity. Long before 9/11, Marble was involved in A Partnership of Faith in New York City and started our annual tri-faith service. That tradition continues and has expanded to include events like last year’s Diversity Series and this Summer’s Spirituality Series, helping us learn more about Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and other religions. We connect through our similarities, rather than let differences divide us. Certainly the diversity in this city shows off God’s wonderful creativity – and expansiveness – since we were all created in God’s image!

How can we humans put limits on a God whose love is beyond understanding?

There is no right or wrong way to pray.

I grew up saying prayers before bed, including The Lord’s Prayer, and grace before meals like “God Is Good” or singing “Johnny Appleseed”. In college my favorite prayer time was talking to God as I was walking on campus or driving through the Iowa countryside. Yet I had friends who had a more “formal” prayer time and I was praying the “wrong way”. It took Marble – through my work with a spiritual director, Small Groups and retreats – to help me realize it didn’t matter how I prayed. Prayer is simply taking time to have a conversation with God. It’s a balance between talking (or singing) and listening. And we each have our own way of communicating.

God can handle your anger, your doubts, your questions.

I’m not someone who curses much, yet I still count a cursing prayer with God in the early 1990s as one of my most powerful prayer times. By then I had begun to learn that God could handle my anger – an emotion with which I was very uncomfortable. As I was growing up I knew a loving God, yet, I wasn’t comfortable expressing what I thought were “negative” emotions or asking him a lot of questions. Now I know I can come to God with whatever I’m feeling, whatever I’m questioning.

God has even better things in mind for you than you could dream of.

Two of my dreams growing up were to be an artist and to also work in an Ad Agency. I really didn’t have the talent as a graphic artist to be in that competitive industry and had let that dream go. Yet, after I moved to NYC I realized that a camera could be my tool and through the encouragement of my Marble family I could actually call myself an artist when it came to my photography. And for many years part of my job at Marble involved creating event posters. Because of computer software I was living one of my dreams.

Plus, I was doing it in a positive, loving environment – a much better fit for me. God knew that.

Of course, I forget these lessons at times, and I still have a lot of work to do to fully live the life I feel called to. There are many more things to learn that I’ll want to share with Leilani & Ivy. Yet, what I know with certainty after these 25 years is that God led me to the school of NYC and Marble.

What have YOU learned about God, yourself and others in your time at Marble? If you have something you’d like to share that we could use in a future issue of Touchpoint, please email me, KFritsch@ MarbleChurch.org.

MAY WE PRAY FOR YOU? The Marble Prayer Ministry — To ask for prayer, or share feedback use a blue Prayer Request card found in the pews or stop by the Prayer Room (off the 29th St lobby) after Sunday Worship. Members of the Prayer Ministry Team spend a minimum of two weeks in prayer over each request.

The Prayer Circle — Every Sunday at 10:00am, Rev. Gregory Johnson leads participants in prayer.

To have your prayer request included, please call Judy Tulin by Friday noon. Names are prayed over for one month.

Online ­— Visit MarbleChurch.org/Connect/ Prayers or click on blue box at bottom right of homepage.

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Karla Fritsch Publications Manager

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Spiritual Growth and Education

Bible Study with Sister Carol Perry

Sr. Carol Perry Bible Scholar

SUNDAYS AT 10AM GOD INVITES US September 13, 20 & 27 In the biblical world there is no more binding relationship than that established by a covenant. The amazing God of Israel invited his people into just such an alliance. How does that still have meaning for us today?

A reminder for Sr. Carol’s online students who live stream Sunday mornings: ask your question at the end of class! Either click on the “Send Us a Question” button on the live streaming page or email us at MarbleVision@MarbleChurch.org. We would love to hear from you!

TUESDAYS AT 6:30PM CLEARING UP A MYSTERY September 15, 22 & 29 Why do some Bibles have more books than others?

What are the “apocrypha”? Who decided what was in and what was out? Let’s try to clear up this mystery of those “other Bible books.”

Rev. Gregory Johnson Prayer Circle

Prayer Circle SUNDAYS AT 10AM This informal gathering centers on singing and prayer for individual and communal concerns. All are welcome! Led by Rev. Gregory Johnson. Meets every Sunday. Holy Communion celebrated weekly (unless scheduled for 11:00am Worship).

Small Groups

Small Groups at Marble are designed to be missional, transformational, and relational. They change us, help us grow, and get us to go out and do good in the world.

If you love coming to church but sometimes find yourself getting lost in the crowd, or if you yearn for a deeper connection with the people you see on Sundays – then our Small Groups are for you! We encourage you to consider participating in one of the many new offerings that begin this fall!

To learn more, stop by the Small Group Table during Coffee Hour on Sundays after Worship, contact Baleta McKenzie (BMcKenzie@MarbleChurch.org) or visit MarbleChurch.org.

WEEKDAYS, NOON–1:00PM SPIRITUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE Bring your lunch and join interactive Bible study in two Manhattan locations. Return to work with a new attitude.

TUESDAYS IN THE MARBLE LOFT September 15 & 29 THURSDAYS AT ST. BART’S September 17 St. Bartholomew’s Church, 325 Park Ave (at 51st St). Enter through Park Ave doors and proceed to the Welcome Center, directly behind the chancel to the right.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE – “REMEMBER, WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!” This year Jobe Forte has weathered the challenges of hospitalizations and rehabilitation and is now back home. Throughout this period, Janet T. Smith, LCSW and Rev. Kirsty DePree visited Jobe to pray with him and provide other supports. Recently, Janet visited Jobe at home and found him diligently keeping up his rehab routine and making great strides. Jobe is also excited and exuberantly looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday on September 7, 2015 with his Marble family and friends.

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY JOBE!

Janet Smith, Social Worker, and Jobe Forte

Missons and Outreach: Opportunities to Serve

In the Action Spotlight

ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE Through September 13 Marble’s Back to School Drive provides school supplies to children in need. Our Back to School Drive is important because: • One of the most devastating consequences of homelessness is the effect that it has on a child’s education.

• A new backpack, filled with school supplies, provides the tools a child needs to succeed in school.

• It also provides a confidence boost, helping each child to feel more like their housed classmates.

Please bring your donation to the Action Volunteer Table on Sundays during Coffee Hour in the Marble Loft. During the week you may drop off your donation at the church switchboard at 1 West 29th Street.

Please mark your package “Attn: Action Committee”.

If you are unable to purchase supplies, you may make a monetary donation. Make checks payable to Marble Collegiate Church and write “Back to

School” in memo section. Mail to attention of Tom Schneider or place in offering plate during Worship.

You may also make a credit card payment using an offering envelope or visit the Action Table. For more information, contact Tom Schneider (TSchneider@ MarbleChurch.org).

P.S.30M IN HARLEM Tutorial & Cultural Arts Enrichment Program Blessings to all our volunteers and students as our special partnership begins. Please keep them all in your prayers throughout this school year.

Marble has partnered with P.S. 30M Hernandez/ Hughes Community Learning School in Harlem, which is a part of the New York City Community Learning School Initiative. Our program to benefit 2nd and 3rd graders in need of support, as well as their families, focuses on math and reading comprehension in a oneon-one tutorial enrichment program with a cultural arts component, and building relationships with tutor and student.

Action Volunteers — Ways You Can Serve

If you don’t see what’s right for you listed here, stop at the Action Volunteer Table on Sundays during Coffee Hour to talk with a committee member or contact Tom Schneider (TSchneider@MarbleChurch. org), for more ideas and referrals to organizations that are in need of volunteers. To receive notice of serving opportunities by email, “Action Alerts,” contact Tom. Ecclesia — Please note, no Ecclesia lunch preparation in September.

Marble Fights Hunger — Please support our continuous food drive by donating non-perishables. Food is given to Icahn House shelter program. Leave donations at the 29th Street Reception area, the Fifth Ave Narthex or the Marble Loft.

Congregational Care Prayer Shawl Ministry — Knit or crochet prayer shawls as gifts to members who are ill at home, in the hospital, or homebound. Gather on 1st and 3rd Mondays, 5:006:00pm, for prayer and creating together. All levels welcome. Materials provided. Contact Judy Tulin (JTulin@MarbleChurch.org). Please note: no session on Labor Day, September 7.

WeWo Visuals Ministry — If you’d like to volunteer to help with the projected visuals during Worship, approximately one Wednesday a month, contact Korland Simmons (KSimmons@ MarbleChurch.org).

MarbleVision Team — If you’re interested in helping with Marble’s Media Ministry, contact Siobhan Tull (STull@MarbleChurch.org).

Jazz Revelation Hospitality — To help at our jazz services, now on Sundays, contact Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org).

Donate Metrocards for LGBTQ Youth in Crisis served by “The Church” at St. Luke in the Fields, a partner in mission with our GIFTS Fellowship.

Metrocards should contain at least one full fare.

Used Eyeglasses — Donate used glasses and sunglasses which are given to The Lion’s Club who recycles the glasses and distributes them in developing countries.

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Program Ministries

Keep up with our different Program Ministries by visiting their pages at

MarbleChurch.org

and attending Coffee Hour after Worship.

Adult Ministry

We start the year on Monday, September 28, as experts talk about important planning for the next phase of life’s journey. See the website for more details. Contact Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@ MarbleChurch.org).

Connection (20s&30s)

Join us for social activities and conversations about faith, relationships, and life in New York City. To connect with us, contact Chad Tanaka Pack (CTanaka@MarbleChurch.org).

Entrepreneurs

Our Peale Parlor Salon Series, An Entrepreneur for All Seasons, continues on October 22. Contact Katherine Gotshall English (212-529-8512 or kathcoach@earthlink.net).

GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship

We kick off the year with brunch on Sunday, September 13, which includes special guests from Room for All and a celebration of Jobe Forte’s 100th birthday. Register for our annual retreat, October 2-4.

Contact T.J. Houlihan (GIFTS@MarbleChurch.org).

Men’s Ministry

On Tuesday, September 29 we explore Life Transitions Planning: Financial, Legal and Spiritual. Sign up now for our retreat October 2-4. For information, see the Calendar of Events, website or contact Tom Schneider (TSchneider@ MarbleChurch.org).

60+ Fellowship

Our new season begins on Wednesday, September 16. See the Calendar of Events and the 60+ newsletter for details on our lunch programs.

To register for the new year or for more information, please contact Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@ MarbleChurch.org).

Women’s Ministry

Our theme for the 2015-16 church year is Grace. Love. Transformation. Save the date for our special Hallowtide Eve Dinner on Thursday, October 29. For details, check website or contact Anna Nugent(ANugent@MarbleChurch.org).

Calendar of Events Calendar of Events For more details, to register, or for the full listing of all our programming, please visit MarbleChurch.org

or stop by the Welcome Center after Worship during Coffee Hour.

EACH SUNDAY Live Sermon Talk Back with Dr. Michael Brown | 12:15pm Join us in the Sanctuary after Worship as we discuss Dr. Brown’s sermon and he answers your questions about faith & theology. Our online community may email questions to: Connect@MarbleChurch.org. Hosted by Mario Sprouse.

Jazz Revelation | 5:00pm Connect with a community of people in a cozy setting of bistro tables to enjoy this time of worship led by Dr. Mark King and Chad Tanaka Pack; music led by pianist Chris Whittaker with talented guest artists.

In the Marble Loft. (Starts Sept. 20. Please note new day and time!)

EACH WEDNESDAY 60+ Fellowship For details on our lunch programs, check our 60+ Fellowship monthly newsletter. Inquiries to Colleen Cosgrove (CCosgrove@MarbleChurch.org).

Walk the Labyrinth | 5:00-6:00pm Take a moment for a walking meditation before WeWo. (Please call to confirm schedule.)

WeWo: Wednesday Worship | 6:15pm “WeWo” blends traditional and contemporary worship styles, with sermons by Dr. Brown and others, plus dynamic music led by Deah Harriot with a praise vocal ensemble and band. Meets in the Marble Loft.

FIRST SUNDAYS Walk the Labyrinth | 1:00-3:00pm A facilitator will be available to help guide you and answer questions, while allowing you the space to walk in your own way, at your own pace. (Please confirm, schedule could vary.)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship Brunch | 12:30pm We are joined by special guests Marilyn Paarlberg, Executive Director, and Cameron VanKooten, Community Coordinator, of Room for All (RfA). RfA educates and advocates for the welcome and full affirmation of LGBTQ persons in the Reformed Church in America. GIFTS members and allies encouraged to attend. $15. Register online or email GIFTS@MarbleChurch.org.

Calendar of Events

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 60+ Fellowship Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Summer luncheon ($8) and birthday celebration for Aug and Sept babies, followed by program at 1:00pm: Thru the Decades – A Cabaret with Gary Thompson.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Gary Thompson Town Hall Meeting | 12:15pm All are encouraged to attend! See back page for details.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 60+ Fellowship BYOL Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Bring Your Own Lunch (with potluck desserts), followed by movie at 12:30pm: Walking the Camino – Six Ways to Santiago.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Monthly Brunch | 12:15pm All are invited for this time of fellowship and good food, with a special musical treat. In the Marble Loft (274 Fifth Ave). $12.

Sunday Brunch

NEWSLETTER MAILINGS REMINDER Starting with this September issue of Touchpoint – The Marble Magazine (formerly the MarbleUpdate), printed copies will be available at the Welcome Table, however, we will no longer mail printed copies, unless you request one. Please contact Shana Wolfe (SWolfe@MarbleChurch.org or 212-686-2770, ext.

248) if you need it mailed to you.

Digital versions will continue to be on the website (MarbleChurch.org/Connect/Library/Newsletters) and sent via email. If you haven’t already subscribed to the email list, click on Newsletter Sign-Up at the bottom of any page on our site and select Church Newsletter. This is where you may also sign up to receive the weekly e-newsletter and a variety of other e-newsletters. (Please note, we cannot subscribe to any of the email lists on your behalf, this is a software feature designed to protect you from spam.)

By reducing printing and mailing costs, this will help us all to be good stewards of the planet and Marble’s financial resources. An added benefit of the

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Adult Ministry Discussion | 5:30-8:00pm Join us for hors d’oeuvres as experts inform us on important planning for life’s journey, including having a will, a health proxy, an exercise plan, family & friend caregiving support, a budget, and spiritual direction. $12.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Men’s Ministry | 6:30-8:00pm The Men’s Ministry invites the entire Marble Community to join us as we explore life transitions and how to plan for the future in terms of financial, legal and spiritual goals. $5.

Calendar of Events For more details, to register, or for the full listing of all our programming, please visit MarbleChurch.org

or stop by the Welcome Center after Worship during Coffee Hour.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 60+ Fellowship BYOL Lunch & Program | 12:00pm Bring Your Own Lunch (with potluck desserts), followed by program at 1:00pm: Drew Kindred leads exercises, group dances, and chair yoga.

SAVE THE DATES WEEKEND, OCTOBER 2-4 GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship Retreat Join us on our annual retreat. This year we’ll be at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House in Mendham, NJ. Visit MarbleChurch.org for details.

Men’s Retreat Dr. Mark King helps us explore Love/Charity at San Alfonso by the Sea in southern NJ. Visit MarbleChurch.org for details.

Note: The Calendar of Events schedule subject to change. Please call to confirm.

digital version is you will receive it at least a week earlier than the print version.

FESTIVAL OF VOICES SEEKS VOLUNTEERS The Marble Festival of Voices seeks singers to become a part of the musical 2015-16 season, which includes singing in Worship once a month, the popular Advent Concert on Sunday, December 6, Good Friday Worship with orchestra on March 25, and this year’s special concert Friday, April 29, featuring organist Diane Bish. Weekly Wednesday evening rehearsals begin September 16. Prospective volunteers should have some prior choral experience and be able to read music; an informal audition is required. To discuss membership or schedule an audition, contact Ken Dake (KDake@MarbleChurch.org).

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LIVE WEBCAST SCHEDULE If you can’t be here in person, visit MarbleChurch.org.

Sundays

10am – Bible Study with Sr. Carol Perry 11am – Worship Service 12:15pm – Talk Back with Dr. Brown

Wednesdays 6:15pm – Wednesday Worship TV – Fridays @ 4:30pm, MNN Time Warner Ch. 57 (Manhattan) Sermon Podcasts: Subscribe at MarbleChurch.org.

MARBLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Touchpoint: September 2015 SOUL PURPOSE A New Video Series from Senior Minister, Dr. Michael Brown Beginning Thursday, September 17 With each installment of Soul Purpose, Dr. Brown will bring you to a deeper and more personal understanding of doctrine, and why that matters in our lives of faith and daily living. It’s practical faith for the everyday. Feed your Soul. A new short video will be posted every Thursday at MarbleChurch.org, and archived for your viewing convenience.

TOWN HALL MEETING Sunday, September 20 | 12:15pm All are encouraged to attend this meeting with the Board, Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Mark King as they share about programming and staff organization for the coming year, preview our new branding and get an update on the 29th Street Development Project/ Construction.

SEPTEMBER ‘15

THE LAST WORD Eventually you will come to understand that love heals everything, and love is all there is.

— Gary Zukav

TOUCHPOINT The Marble Magazine One West 29th Street, New York, New York 10001-4596 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

WELCOME TO THE FIRST ISSUE OF TOUCHPOINT – THE MARBLE MAGAZINE! We’re happy to unveil the new name of the MarbleUpdate with this September 2015 issue.

Thank you to all who submitted suggestions!

We’ve been moving the newsletter away from being a bulletin board of events by adding more articles with the goal of making it more of a magazine.

Our hope is that as we expand the articles, and other creative bits & pieces, that it can be an even fuller reflection of the diverse, welcoming, transforming community that is Marble.

Touchpoint can be a connection to Marble to read wherever you are, and hopefully you’ll find features that you’d like to return to again and again. We’d also like to make it more of a conversation, so in future issues look for questions to respond to and other opportunities for you to join us in making Touchpoint something that can inspire, make us think, and help us grow. We invite you to open your hearts and minds with positive expectancy as we continue to take this creative journey together.

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